Illiyin fainted due to a combination of extreme physical and mental exhaustion, lack of proper nutrition, and the sudden drop in adrenaline following the completion of a high-pressure challenge. She had not eaten the day before and was running on pure adrenaline throughout the competition.
Understanding Illiyin's Collapse
Illiyin's collapse on the set of The Great British Bake Off was a direct result of several compounding factors that led to her body giving out once the intense pressure was released. Her own statements reveal the underlying causes:
- Lack of Nutrition: Illiyin explicitly stated she "hadn't eaten the day before." This significant lack of food intake would have severely depleted her energy reserves and contributed to low blood sugar, making her highly susceptible to fainting, especially under stress.
- Adrenaline and Prolonged Stress: She described herself as "running on adrenaline" throughout the challenge. Adrenaline is a hormone that prepares the body for a "fight or flight" response, heightening focus and energy. Maintaining such a high state of arousal for an extended period is incredibly taxing on the body.
- Sudden Relief and Adrenaline Drop: The moment the time was called on the challenge, Illiyin's "shoulders dropped down with relief." This sudden cessation of stress caused a rapid decrease in her adrenaline levels. When adrenaline, which had been artificially propping her up, suddenly dissipates, the body can experience a sharp drop in blood pressure, leading to a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain and resulting in fainting.
This physiological response, often referred to as vasovagal syncope, can be triggered by emotional stress, pain, or the sudden relief from intense situations, particularly when compounded by factors like hunger or exhaustion. The combined effect of physical depletion and a rapid change in her body's stress response led to her immediate collapse.
